John Fuller, English philanthropist

John Fuller, English philanthropist

John Fuller (1757-1834), English philanthropist. Fuller was born at North Stoneham, Hampshire. At the age of four he lost his father, the local clergyman, and at ten was sent to Eton College. In 1777 Fuller's uncle died, leaving him estates in Sussex and plantations in Jamaica. He stood for parliament in 1780, representing Southampton until 1784 then Sussex from 1801 to 1812. His wealth allowed him to indulge in philanthropy. He was a supporter and sponsor of the Royal Institution in London, he once lent them 1000 pounds and never asked for it back. He endowed the Fullerian chairs in chemistry and physiology, built an observatory in his estate at Brightling in Sussex, paid for the first lifeboat at Eastbourne and a lighthouse at Beachy Head. Much admired by the public, he was popularly known as 'Mad Jack'. This painting by Henry Singleton hangs at the Royal institution in London.